Photograph calculators



June 21, 1966 P. J. GRAYBILL PHOTOGRAPH CALCULATORS Filed March 20, 1964 CALC ULATOR FIG I INVENTOR.

FIG-6 FIG.5

- 3,257,074 PHOTOGRAPH CALCULATORS Paul J. Graybill, 61 Sunset Hill Drive, Pine Orchard, Conn.

Filed Mar. 20, 1964, Ser. No. 353,333 3 Claims. (Cl. 235-64.7)

- tion being achieved by adjusting two rotatable discs in relationship to a backboard and faceboard.

I Broad objective The broad objective of my invention is to provide such a calculating device consisting of said two movable discs and said backboard and said faceboard so designed and positioned as to calculate and evaluate all of said factors when said two discs are adjusted in relation to said backboard and said faceboard, said discs being essentially superimposed one on the other, these being of dilferent sizes and so calibrated as to exhibit in matched relationship a range of exposure time intervals and a range of diaphragm stop values, said light value and film factors consisting of 1) position on earth in relation to the equator, i.e., north or south, (2) position on earth relative to longitude, north or south, (3) month of the year, (4) hour of the day, (5) type of subject, (6) type of background, (7) subject exposure to sun, i.e., direct or shade and the like, (8) angle to the sun, (9) type of sky, (10) type of weather, (11) distance from subject, and (12) speed rating of the film, these factors evaluated to give said 'discs a series of matched stop and time values, permitting a choice of correct exposures; these combinations may also be expressed in so called Exposure Value numbers for use with some automatic or semi-automatic cameras, and be positioned to correlate between said two discs. Said Exposure Value calibrations being positioned on said inner disc to coordinate selectively with a window in said outer disc.

Specific objectives (2) To provide such a calculating device having said outer disc so dimensioned and positioned as to contain on its outer rim the calibrations of shutter speeds and inwardly thereof a listing of the type of subject, these so positioned as to be matched with calibrations of Hourly Sun Positions on said faceboard.

(3) To provide such a device having said faceboard so die cut, dimensioned and positioned as to provide two functions, (1) to extend circularly over the adjacent outer edge of said outer disc, covering said time calibrations, thus providing a means of matching said Sun Positions on said faceboard with said type of subject listing on said outer disc, and (2) extending inwardly therefrom United States Patent 0 Patented June 21, 1966 in calibrations matchable to said type of subject on said? outer disc, said graph applicable to latitudes 35 to 45 north and south.

(5) To provide such a calculator having on said face plate designations of the months of the year for both north and south of the Equator and designated adjustments for other latitude zones covering the remainder portions of the globe.

(6) To provide such a calculator having on said back board calibrated designations of Sky Types in relation to which the film rating scale calibrations on said inner disc may be positioned.

(7) To provide such a calculator having said calibrated Sky types in three categories, (1) away from sun exposures, (2) to sun exposure, and (3) toward sun exposures, also having flash fill-in designations.

(8) To provide such a calculator having on said outer disc calibrated designations forfixed speed movie cameras in normal frame speeds and for various slow and fast motion speeds, which designations indicate the matched proper stops to be used. I

(9) To provide such a calculator having on said face surface a latitude zone map indicating various latitude zones for exposure correction features for Zones other than 35-45 north or south.

(10) To provide such a calculator in which all factors, i.e., Sky Type, Film Speed, Stop, Time, Movie Shutter Speeds, Type of Subjects, and Sun Position Factors, are all calibrated in /3 stop values.

(11) To provide such a calculator in which an itemized 1, 2, 3, step operation is designated on the face thereof.

(12) To provide such a calculator in which an example of the 1, 2, 3 step operation is clearly displayed on the face thereof.

(13) Thus to provide such a calculator which combines all of the essential factors for the proper exposure of a film in simplifiedform, with two movable discs and correlated calibrated scales, (1) by setting the proper Speed Rating for the film in use to the proper Sky Type and (2) by setting the proper Type of Subject being taken to the proper Position of the Sun in the sky and the proper month calibration for the latitude involved, then (3) by selecting from the combinations of matched Time and Stop values the proper combination to expose the given subject properly, which in the case of a movie camera the shutter speed is a given factor and the stop only needs to be indicated, taking into consideration the exposing speed of the camera setting, i.e., normal, slow motion, fast motion, etc., when needed, the Exposure Value numbers may be used.

Designation of illustrations These and other objectives and advantages will become apparent as the following description proceeds, when reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which a certain mode of carrying out the various combinations of factors is shown. The use of this mode is forillustrat-ion purposes only since these several factors may be arranged in various relationships to accomplish the same end, as for instance, the Sky Types and Positions of the Sun scales may be interchanged in positions without changing the effectiveness of the calculator in any way; in like manner other factors may be placed in different positions.

FIG. 1 is a view of the face side of said calculator showing the positioning of the preferred arrangement of the various parts, the faceboard, the backboard and the two discs with the central grommet, as well as the various calibrations thereon,

FIG. 2 is a central cross section of said calculator showing the location of the various parts, especially the baffie,

FIG. 3 is a full view of the backboard showing the grommet aperture and the Sky Type position,

FIG. 4 is a view of the inner disc showing the grommet aperture, the positions of the calibrations of Stop Values, Film Speed Ratings and the Exposure Value rating,

FIG. 5 is a face view of the faceboard showing especially well the locations of the calibration of the Position of the Sun, the arced slit, the friction baffie and the grommet aperture,

FIG. 6 is a view of the face of said outer disc showing the grommet aperture, the locations of the calibrations of Subject Types, the Shutter Speeds, and the Movie Shutter Speeds. This disc would also contain a viewing aperture for Exposure Value factors when used.

Description and manufacturing procedure Referring then to the drawings in which the same or similar parts in the several drawings are indicated by the same number or letter for ease in identification, FIG. 1 is a view of the face of the assembled'calculator, with base board 1 forming the overall base for the various parts. Faceboard 2 is superimposed on one end portion of base board 1 and extends inwardly over the edge of outer disc 3. Bafile 18, which is articulated to faceboard 2 in at least one articulation, extends inwardly and is posi tioned under outer disc 3, and over inner disc 4. This is made possible by arc slot 6, which slot is sufficiently wide to expose calibrated scale 20' on disc 4 is made possible by are slit 6'. Also shown are grommet 7, and circular cut 5 which cut is shown by a dotted line. The Hourly Sun Position calibration chart 8 is positioned on faceboard 2 to which Subject Type calibration 9 is adjustable. Sun Position chart 8 is calibrated to show individual Hourly Sun Position such as 10 as well as months position chart 11; also shown on face board 2 is Latitude Zone Map 12. Outer disc 3 contains Subject Type calibration 9, Time Interval calibration 13, Motion Picture Shutter Speed Rating calibration 14, and View Aperture 19, this aperture indicating Exposure Values 20 which are positioned on inner disc 4. Also shown is a portion of the outer rim of the inner disc 4 which contains two calibrations (1) 1 Stop calibrations 15, and (2) Film Speed Rate calibration 17. Baseboard 1 contains Sky Type calibrations 16; these modified to show three categories, (1) Toward the Sun, (2) 90 to the Sun, and (3) Away from the Sun. FIG. 2, a crosssectional view, shows the position of the various parts assembled and secured by the grommet. FIG. 3 shows, better, the positioning of the Sky Type calibrations 16 on baseboard 1 and FIG. 5 shows likewise the circular cut 5, the arc slit 6 and the Hourly Sun Position, chart 8. The Latitude Zone Map 12 and the Month Position calibration have been omitted. FIG. 4 shows the location of f Stop Value calibration 15 and the Film Speed Rating Calibration 17 about the outer rim of said disc 4; also shown are the Exposure Value factors 20. FIG. 6 shows the outer disc with the locations of the Time Interval calibration 13-, the Movie Shutter Speed Rating 14, the Subject Type Calibration 9, and the Exposure Value aperture 19.

The calculator is printed on paper or plastic, first in color and then in dark copy. It is subsequently die cut into its various parts and assembled and fastened into a unit by grommet 7. Faceboard 2 is articulated on one end to backboard 1 in some manner to form a solid unit. Backboard 1 and faceboard 2 may be made in one piece using a crease to form a folddown if desired, in which case the copy on Face Board 2 must be printed on the back of the master sheet in the original set up.

shadow types and cloud types.

Summary and novelty It should be noted at this point how the novelty of this construct-ion affords benefits not found in present calculators. Ease of operation is the essential feature but completeness and convenience in use, are both worthy of note. Two simple moves, one each of the two discs or dials calculate all the essential factors which are concerned in making a good picture. Step one consists of turning the inner disc to align the proper Film Speed rate to the Type of Sky. This Type of Sky feature is easily judged in its various categories, Bright Sun, Hazy Sun, Dull Sky, Dark Sky, and Black Sky, by observation of These categories are one full stop apart and may be interpolated to almost perfect exactness. This step also afiords opportunity to adjust for Position of Sun as Away from the Sun, 90 to Sun or Toward Sun. It also affords opportunity to use a Fill-in Flash properly, when taking a picture of an object toward the sun, etc.

Step two consists of turning the outer dial and properly aligning Subject Type to Position of Sun. These factors each have several refinements which further improve the picture. Subject Type covers a range of over nine full stops fro-m Sky to Deep Ravine which offers opportunity to make reasonably accurate evaluation of the subject being taken. Emphasis is given to Average Subject or Group in which a variety of Backgrounds are afforded. Most pictures are taken in this category observing the proper background. Subjects in shade can be judged accurately in the shade scale offered. The Position of Sun chart affords a very convenient way of determining the value of the light coming from the Sun, at any particular hour of the day. This value is further refined by month categories, and Latitudinal variations for various parts of the globe, resulting in very accurate ex- I posure of the film. These two settings, when made, position the full range of Time and Stop calibrations from which any single combination may be selected bearing in mind any movement of the subject and other things as depth of focus, which influence Time and Stop in taking good pictures. A Zone Map is provided to help determine the variation necessary for other Latitudes of the globe other than 35-45 as provided in the Position of Sun Chart.

An added feature is a variation time calibration for movie cameras in which the fixed time of a given movie shutter speed is calculated in the full range of frame speeds to assure proper Stops. The present calculator then is complete, accurate, and very convenient to operate making it very desirable and is a decided advance in the field of photographic calculators.

It is understood then that the embodiment shown is only an example and various changes in shape, or arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the sub-joined claims, which purports to cover the use of Position of the Sun Chart charts with refinements, Sky Type charts with refinements and Type of Subjects with re finements, these three coordinated with the usual Time, Stop and Film Rate factors, thus coordinate the six basic factors involved in photography by two variables, i.e., two discs or dials.

I claim:

1. A photographic exposure calculator comprising a baseboard, having thereon a chart showing sky types calibrated to indicate the graduated light intensity of the sky, said calculator also having an inner disc rotatably articulated by a grommet to said baseboard in superim posed relation, said disc having calibrations thereon indieating graduated film speed ratings, said calibrations being positioned about the periphery of said disc for cooperation with said sky types calibrations on said baseboard, said disc being selectively movable to different operative positions therewith, said inner disc also having calibrations thereon indicating the f stop values used in photography, these calibrations being positioned inwardly from said film speed calibrations, said calculator also having grommeted by said grommet a smaller and selectively movable disc, said disc being essentially superimposed on said inner disc, said outer disc having calibrations thereon indicating time intervals, said calibrations being so positioned about the outer periphery of said disc to cooperate with said f stop value calibrations which. are positioned on said inner disc, said outer disc also having subject type calibrations thereon immediately inward and at least part way thereabout from said stop value calibrations, said calibrations indicating the light reflecting value of said subjects, said calculator also consisting of a faceboard, said faceb-oard being articulated to and superimposed on one end of said baseboard, said faceboard extending partially over the adjacent edges of said inner disc and said outer disc and being so formed in a lateral concave arc to exactly conceal said time intervals calibrations on'a portion of said outer disc and exactly expose said subject type calibration thereon, said faceboard having an hourly sun position chart thereon indicating the light value of the sun at various hours in the various months of the year, said calibrations being positioned to cooperate with said subject type calibrations on said outer disc, which outer disc is selectively movable to different operative positions in which the desired subject type is positioned coincident with the proper hourly sun position, which in turn coordinates the proper time intervals values on the outer disc with the proper f stop values on the inner disc, when References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,207,448 12/1916 Venable 23564.7 X 2,284,783 6/1942 Weaver 23564.7 2,287,430 6/1942 Kende 23564.7 2,436,966 3/1948 Legris 23564.7 2,533,489 12/1950 McFarlane 23564.7 2,735,618 2/1956 Venable 23564.7

OTHER REFERENCES The Amateur Photographer & Cinematographer, May 20, 1936, pages 464-465.

LOUIS I. CAPOZI, Primary Examiner.

T. J. ANDERSON, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPOSURE CALCULATOR COMPRISING A BASEBOARD, HAVING THEREON A CHART SHOWING SKY TYPES CALIBRATED TO INDICATE THE GRADUATED LIGHT INTENSITY OF THE SKY, SAID CALCULATOR ALSO HAVING AN INNER DISC ROTATABLY ARTICULATED BY A GROMMET TO SAID BASEBOARD IN SUPERIMPOSED RELATION, SAID DISC HAVING CALIBRATIONS THEREONL INDICATION GRADUATED FILM SPEED RATINGS, SAID CALIBRATIONS BEING POSITIONED ABOUT THE PERIPHERY OF SAID DISC FOR COOPERATION WITH SAID SKY TYPES CALIBRATIONS ON SAID BASEBOARDS, SAID DISC BEING SELECTIVELY MOVABLE TO DIFFERENT OPERATIVE POSITIONS THEREWITH, SAID INNER DISC ALSO HAVING CALIBRATIONS THEREON INDICATING THE "F" STOPS VALUES USED IN PHOTOGGRAPHY, THESE CALIBRATIONS BEING POSITIONED INWARDLY FROM SAID FILM SPEED CALIBRATIONS, SAID CALCULATOR ALSO HAVING GROMMETED BY SAID GROMMET SMALLER AND SELECTIVELY MOVABLE DISC, SAID DISC BEING ESSENTIALLY SUPERIMPOSED ON SAID INNER DISC, SAID OUTER DISC HAVING CALIBRATIONS THEREON INDICATING TIME INTERVALS, SAID CALIBRATIONS BEING SO POSITIONED ABOUT THE OUTER PERIPHERY OF SAID DISC TO COOPERATE WITH SAID "F" STOP VALUE CALIBRATIONS WHICH ARE POSITIONED ON SAID INNER DISC, SAID OUTER DISC ALSO HAVING SUBJECT TYPE CALIBRATIONS THEREON IMMEDIATELY INWARD AND AT LEAST PART WAY THEREABOUT FROM SAID STOP VALUE CALIBRATIONS, SAID CALIBRATIONS INDICATING THE LIGHT REFLECTING VALUE OF SAID SUBJECTS, SAID CALCULATOR ALSO CONSISTING OF SAID FACEBOARD SAID FACEBOARD BEING ARTICULATED TO SAID SUPERIMPOSED ON ONE END OF SAID BASEBOARD, SAID FACEBOARD EXTENDING PARTIALLY OVER THE ADJACENT EDGES OF SAID INNER DISC AND SAID OUTER DISC AND BEING SO FORMED IN A LATERAL CONCAVE ARC TO 